The stigma of femininity in organizations: a study with gay subjects’ perspectives

Abstract

Homosexuals are often treated as minorities or excluded, as well as other marginalized categories of society. They are subjected to social control by a large hegemonic group, which determines what is considered "normal" in society (Pereira, 2009). In this sense, this work aims to understand the stigmatization of femininity in organizations, from the perspective of the gay subjects. Nine (9) male gay subjects were interviewed, all from the state of Rio de Janeiro. The interviewed subjects are involved in different professional activities, with different levels of education. The corpus of the research was analyzed through content analysis. It has been found that the stigma of femininity can be understood from the moment that the "feminine being" is seen as inferior to man by society and organizations, through the use of words or means of behavior in order to maintain the masculine heteronormative power.

Keywords

• estigma
• feminilidades
• gay
• organizações